The Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi – Visiting The President's Home

As an Indian away from India for years, I truly value every historic monument I visit, because it makes me feel closer to my country, its history and culture. The visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan was a wonderful gift from my husband. Here, I recount my experience at one of the most awe-inspiring places in India.

Delhi’s Pride

New Delhi, the capital city of the largest democracy of the world, India, was given its status a few centuries ago, when the capital was moved from Calcutta. It was at the time of this monumental change that the Rashtrapati Bhavan was conceptualised. The British architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens created an entirely new city out of Delhi, and at the crown of the capital, on Raisina Hill, he built one of the grandest symbols of power, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Initially built to be the residence of the Viceroy, this magnificent structure now serves as the residence of the President of India.

As we drove up the Vijay Path, to majestic views of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, we realised the sheer grandeur and the history that the regal abode commands. The entrance to the President’s house is suited for the stature it is built for, and I was awed by the pillars which open up to the main porch of the building. The colonial style British pillars are welcoming as well as guarding the stories and momentous occasions that the Bhavan has witnessed over the years.

Fixing A Date

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is the first President of India to have opened the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public. By simply applying on the website, you can get the approval to visit one of the most significant buildings in India. We decided not to miss the opportunity, and sent in our application, which was approved in about a month, and a date and time given to us for our visit.

Home to the President, the walls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan resonate from the rich history, culture and power of the Republic of India. Lutyens incorporated many features of the Indian architecture while creating this masterpiece, and during the guided tour of the building, we learnt about the origin of all architectural features.

National Glory

The Rashtrapati Bhavan contains national treasures and artifacts dating back to the colonial era. From the elegant dinner set of the British, to the gowns worn by wives of Viceroys. From the precious gifts from various heads of states, to the library storing years of important documents, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a standing relic of India’s history. What intrigued me the most were the scriptures and artefacts, brought from various parts of the world, beautifully representing the cultures and histories of the places.

The 340 rooms, each with its special purpose and design, reminisce the times gone by. As we walked to the Darbar Hall, the Banquet Hall, the Ashoka Hall, and all others, the guide recalled major historical events that took place in the very rooms you stand in. In complete awe, I could visualise the ceremonies happening, so many presidents, ministers, and heads of governments given their positions. The first and last Governor General of India, C. Rajagopalachari, was the first Indian to be bestowed the honour, and felicitated in Rashtrapati Bhavan. It overwhelmed me to be standing at the spot where Presidents of India had been sworn in.

The might of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is in its grand architecture, and the beauty of the house lies in the aesthetic charm of the Mughal Gardens. Thousands of varieties of flowers line the perfectly manicured and designed lawns of this great abode. The Mughal Gardens bloom during the winter months and attract thousands of visitors who visit to admire the beauty of these lawns. It is an incredible sight and a delight for the lovers of gardens and flowers.

As we proceed towards the Independence Day of India, I recall my visit, and remember the pride which I felt at the might of the Indian State. It was a feeling like no other to walk the halls that the leaders of a new independent India once adorned, and made my country the economic power that it is today. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbol of power that India rightly commands, and as an Indian, I feel lucky to have walked down this historically significant monument and witnessed its glory.